Divine Mercy Sunday events throughout diocese

SALT LAKE CITY — “I want to grant a complete pardon to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of My Mercy.” – St. Faustina’s Diary No. 1109 

In 1931, Christ appeared for the first time to Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska of the Blessed Sacrament, who chronicled his visits in a diary and recorded that he often spoke of his divine mercy. 

When John Paul II canonized the Polish nun, he also established Divine Mercy Sunday because of Christ’s message. 

This devotional often includes recitation of the Divine Mercy chaplet, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and celebration of the Mass.

This year as in the past, numerous parishes in the Diocese of Salt Lake City will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, April 23.

Father Jan Bednarz, pastor of St. Martin de Porres Parish in Taylorsville, has celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday locally since 1989.

“Catholic people have to open their heart and soul for God to show them mercy,” Fr. Bednarz said, adding that for those who don’t attend Sunday Mass regularly or avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, “we have to tell them that God is compassionate.” 

Telling sinners about the Ten Commandments is important, he said, “but we have to also tell them that Jesus showed mercy and compassion for every sinner; it doesn’t matter how long ago they were in church, Jesus is compassionate and merciful.”

Donna Masek, who organizes the event at St. Mary Parish in West Haven, said it is important to recognize that Christ’s Divine Mercy continues for everyone.

“There’s always hope that we can continue to grow closer and closer to him and his arms of love and mercy are forever open and awaiting to embrace all of us with his merciful love,” she said. 

Similarly, Greg Werking, head of the committee for the areawide event that will be held at St. Thomas More Parish, said he wants people to know of Christ’s mercy.

“Jesus is imploring people to receive his mercy and just begging us to share the message of how much mercy he has at his disposal,” he said. “I feel a personal calling to share that message to those people that feel like it’s too late for them. I want them to realize that they can come back to the Church, go to Confession, start all over and be in communion, and be in a state of grace.” 

Werking and his committee are asking those who would like to invite fallen-away Catholics back to the Church, but are hesitant to do so themselves, to submit names to them. 

Some people are hesitant to share their faith,” Werking said, but “we have some people on the team who are more than willing to share their faith, and we’ll do it for you.”

Divine Mercy Sunday Events

Various events throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City are scheduled in observation of Divine Mercy Sunday, which this year is April 23. Times and locations follow.

259 West 200 North, St. George 

3 p.m. Mass; Sacrament of Reconciliation also offered. For information, call 435-673-2604.

4916 South 2200 West, Taylorsville

The Hour of Mercy will begin at 3 p.m. with the Divine Mercy Chaplet and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. For information, call 801-968-2369.

4050 South 3900 West, West Haven

The Holy Hour of Mercy immediately after the 11:30 Mass will include exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and chanting of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. For information, call 801-898-3821.

1505 White Pine Canyon Road, Park City

1:30 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation

3 p.m. Divine Mercy Chaplet

3:15 p.m. Mass

3015 E. Creek Road, Sandy

1:30 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation 

3 p.m. Mass, preceded by the Divine Mercy Chaplet

4:30 p.m. Optional dinner

For information, email divinemercy@stmutah.org, or call 801-942-5285 ext. 234.